Israel launches new strikes on Lebanon, at least 72 killed in 4 days

Israel's military operations against Lebanon have entered a fourth day, with renewed air strikes targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. Since the onset of these attacks on Monday, Lebanese authorities have reported at least 72 fatalities and 437 injuries. Additionally, over 83,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes due to the conflict, with many seeking refuge in official shelters. The strikes have particularly focused on Hezbollah strongholds, including significant air raids in southern Beirut and the eastern Bekaa Valley, where at least 12 people were killed and 33 wounded in Nabi Chit. The escalation of violence follows retaliatory actions from Hezbollah, which launched rockets in response to the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The Israeli government approved the military actions on Sunday night, just hours before Hezbollah's initial rocket fire. As the conflict continues, the Lebanese Health Ministry has indicated that the total death toll in Lebanon since the beginning of the conflict exceeds 200, with approximately 95,000 people displaced. In addition to the casualties, the situation in Beirut has become chaotic, with heavy traffic reported as Israel issued forced evacuation orders for parts of southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of the capital. This has led to a mass exodus of civilians from these areas. Recent reports also indicate that an Israeli strike in Sidon resulted in at least two additional deaths. The ongoing fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli forces has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region.